An article on Computer World by Gregg Keizer is reporting that website iFixit.com, found several signs of substandard build quality as it took apart a 15-inch MacBook Pro. Among the findings of quality issues was a stripped screw close to the notebooks subwoofer enclosure, and an unlocked ZIF socket for the infrared sensor.

In the description on the site it said these sorts of things should not be “found inside a completely unmolested computer with a $1,800 base price.” There was also a large amount of thermal paste applied to the central and graphics processors. iFixit said that time will tell if this amount of paste will cause problems with overheating.

Thermal paste is used by computer makers to increase the thermal conductivity of a processor; this allows heat to be drawn away from the chip. But according to Jon Peddie, president of Jon Peddie Research a company which specializes in processors and graphics devices, says too much paste don’t always mean the processor will overheat.

But Peddie did say that too much paste shows “sloppy application, shoddy assembly work.” iFixit has said they will keep an eye on future Apple devices it strips down to see if this is a start of a trend.

Luke Westaway from Cnet UK has reviewed the 13-inch version of the MacBook Pro and liked its fast processors and stunning display. What wasn’t liked was the lack of an USB 3.0 port, no dedicated graphics card, and the expensive price. Use the link to read the full review.

Are you worried that Apple’s standards could be slipping?

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As reported from Apple Insider, an article published over at French website Mac Generation has dished the dirt on what is expected in the new Macbook Pro models, although this information is all according to their ‘trusted source’.

Since we haven’t heard a full list of specs prior to this report though, you’ll definitely want to know what has been said. Firstly, it looks like that feature we mentioned a few days ago, in which Apple will be equipping Macbook Pro models with an SSD drive to boot up Mac OS X is now all but confirmed. The drives have now been identified as 16GB Go SSD mSATA drives.

It looks like Apple will once again continue to offer varied specifications depending on which size Macbook Pro you choose to buy, but the good news is that 13-inch models could replace the Intel Core 2 Duo processor, with a much faster Core i3 chip. Other specific features to the 13-inch model could be the inclusion of 3 USB ports – another minor refresh which could make all the difference with consumers.

Other features of the 13-inch model include an optional matte screen and an impressive 12 hours of battery life. Mac Generation has even put pricing down for the new models, as they believe Apple’s two 13-inch models will be available for €1,199 and €1,499.

They have also listed information for the 15-inch and 17-inch new Macbook Pro models, head to their website above for the details. We remind you again that this information hasn’t been verified yet, but it’s a pretty huge leak if you think about it.

What are your thoughts on the specs mentioned? We think that 12 hours of battery life is a major incentive for picking this up, and the price was always going to be pretty high for a new Apple product. We’re glad that the processors have been upgraded, although theres no mention of glass trackpads which was a rumored feature we told you about recently.

Do you think these specs are real or not? We’ll inform you when we hear more. Don’t forget to keep an eye on the Apple store in case of any updates.

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According to a report over at MacRumors, the new Macbook Pro models are going to launch on Thursday 24th February, which is just days away. This falls in line with early speculation which indicated that the new models would be available sometime this week.

Furthermore, we’re hearing that Apple will be equipping higher end Macbook Pro models with Intel’s new Sandy Bridge processor, with the chip now seemingly over those design problems which sparked the fear of a possible recall.

If the new models do come with these Intel Sandy Bridge processors, don’t expect them to come cheap. We’re talking about $1200 and onwards, depending on what extras Apple decides to throw in.

Don’t forget this date is not official yet, but it’s the first time that any solid release date has been mentioned. With this in mind, it is worth keeping an eye on the Apple store on Wednesday after midnight to see if these new models make an appearance or not.

You can check out all our previous rumors on the new Macbook here. Do you think it’s coming this week? Don’t forget about the Black Macbook Pro which we told you about here.

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